A woman and her two daughters were killed in a Mother’s Day massacre in Mississippi, officials said. The suspect died hundreds of miles away.
Ridgeland police say the man, later identified as Ivory James Welch III, was the primary suspect in the deaths of his mother and two sisters, fleeing the town and state and fleeing to Arizona before being shot and killed. Died. Gunfight with state troopers.
Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers said officers received a call about a triple homicide at a home on Old Canton Road in Ridgeland around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, WLBT reported. He identified the victims as Ida Thomas Welch, 76, Vicki Renee Welch, 56, and Crystal Lynn Welch, 42.
“This horrific incident will have a lasting impact on this family, the officers involved in this investigation, and our brothers and sisters in Arizona law enforcement,” the police chief said.
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The Ridgeland Police Department has identified Ivory James Welch III as the primary suspect in the deaths of her mother and two sisters. (Ridgeland Police Department)
Troopers in Mississippi were then notified that the suspect had been killed in Arizona on Monday afternoon.
A warrant for Welch’s arrest has been obtained and a special U.S. Marshals unit has begun searching for him, the police chief said. The man was eventually found by Arizona Department of Public Safety troopers between Morenci and Clifton, according to AZFamily.
Officers from the Greenlee County Sheriff’s Office and Clifton Police Department assisted in the pursuit in Arizona, the report said.
Ridgeland Police Chief Brian Myers said that around 3:30 p.m. Sunday, officers received a call about a triple homicide at a residence on Old Canton Road in Ridgeland, Mississippi. (Ridgeland Police Department/Facebook)
When law enforcement officers located them, a gunfight ensued, Myers said.
“Arizona State Troopers attempted to arrest Welch, but Welch fired at the officers and was fatally wounded in the gunfight.”
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Myers added, “This investigation is a great example of how law enforcement teamwork and positive relationships with the media can bring speedy justice to grieving families.”
The ACLU of Mississippi has released a statement in memory of Crystal Welch, who served as board president since 2023.
“We can’t process today’s news,” said Executive Director Jarvis Dortch. “Crystal has been a great friend and a passionate leader on the ACLU of Mississippi Board of Directors since 2023. She is always thinking about what more she can do to support our team and our work. Her commitment to equality and justice, her passion for life, her infectious spirit and enthusiasm will be missed. ”
As Arizona State Troopers tried to arrest Welch, Welch opened fire on them. He was fatally wounded in the gunfight. (Paul Harris/Getty Images)
“On behalf of the ACLU of Mississippi, we extend our deepest condolences to Crystal’s family during this unthinkable time. We ask that the community join us in keeping the Welch family in your prayers.” continued.
“Crystal was such a joy. She was just a superwoman. She was a fun loving intellectual. She was so passionate about her work,” her friend Colendula Green told AZFamily.
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Authorities have not determined a motive for the shooting.
“He may have been upset about the funeral and his birthday on Friday,” Chief Meyers said, according to AZFamily.
